Chapter 373 Boron-based Life

Deep within the somber fog, several oddly-shaped fog-like intelligences were engaging in a subtle exchange.

They did not emit sounds but communicated quietly using faint electromagnetic waves.

One of them, clearly a superior being, slowly said, "Why are they so reluctant to leave?

"This stellar system should be of no value to them, yet they explore it with such stubborn determination."

Another intelligent being responded with respect, "Ancestor, this matter is indeed perplexing.

"The environment of this stellar system is so harsh, it can be called extreme, and no civilization would choose to stay here.

"Moreover, there are no planets in this system; all matter is dispersed within the thick fog and is part of the fog, making collection extremely difficult.

"Furthermore, we have deployed numerous Sophon Blind Zones in the outer reaches of the system, which should typically deter any alien civilization from investigating further, but they..."

At these words, the superior being fell into deeper contemplation, and the shadows in the fog seemed to ripple, as if narrating unknown mysteries and challenges.

If this dialogue were captured and interpreted by humanity, it would surely trigger endless wonder and speculation.

The use of the term "ancestor" is also very unusual; it is more often used to trace family history or when discussing topics closely related to ancestors, and is almost never used to directly address someone in conversation.

Although this is a translation from an alien language, it might also hint at this civilization's unique social structure and historical heritage.

The ancestor slowly stated, "Military Participation, their behavior is indeed puzzling.

"In our millions of years of history, our civilization has encountered three explorations by alien civilizations.

"But they all left quickly and did not discover us, perhaps because our form of life is too special.

"And their behavior is too anomalous, can we determine the level of their technological civilization?"

Another peculiar fog-like intelligence slowly spoke, "Indeed, this newly arrived civilization is filled with peculiarities. Their actions and behaviors seem to be in search of some unknown entity, and their persistence and resolve are truly baffling.

"Given the technological prowess they have displayed, exploring this stellar system should have been easy for them, yet they have chosen to linger as if waiting for something.

"Their civilization's technological rank, at first glance, seems to have just crossed the threshold of comprehensive interstellar colonization, which is 1.3. But this might just be a facade, a clever disguise, and they could be far beyond our expectations.

"Our classification of civilization ranks is mostly theoretical deduction because of our uniqueness, and we are not sure if this method applies to other civilizations.

"It should be easy for us to destroy their latest exploration fleet, but it is almost impossible for us to leave our own system.

"And they, just a few exploration ships from their mother civilization, if we act rashly, it could provoke a fierce retaliation from their entire civilization—an impending civilizational disaster.

"We are firmly bound within this system, which is our greatest disadvantage. Facing any foreign civilization, we could potentially be exhausted to death."

The Shenzhou Exploration Fleet's exterior is meticulously disguised, and the structure of the warships also cannot truly determine a civilization's rank.

The unknown civilization's knowledge about the Shenzhou Exploration Fleet, and their belief that they could easily destroy these warships, indicate that they are at least a 1.4 or 1.5 civilization, or perhaps even higher.

However, it is perplexing that such a highly developed civilization is unable to cross the boundaries of their own system; why they could be exhausted to death by weaker civilizations is also highly illogical.

The ancestor slowly spoke, his voice as if traversing through the river of time, "Science Participation, you make a valid point. Even if they are just a 1.3 civilization, the likelihood of our failure is still the highest.

"Yet, I harbor an inexplicable premonition that this alien civilization may be aware of our existence, as if they are penetrating the interstellar fog, and what they are searching for is us."

"Science Participation, what is your opinion on this?" he said, his words carrying a hint of inquiry.

Science Participation pondered for a moment, speaking profoundly, "Ancestor, though it seems unlikely, if we do not expose ourselves, they would almost certainly not find us.

"But I also have a vague feeling that the opponent may have indeed discovered something unusual.

"I have two peculiar points:

"One is that they definitely have not truly discovered us, but only sensed something, under which circumstances, they should be more eager to leave.

"Two is that their warships do not appear to follow one technological path, which should not exist according to our reasoning.

"At first, we thought these were just different types of warships, each with its features, each with its purpose. However, after prolonged observation and analysis, we discovered that their warships were clearly divided into four groups, none subordinate to the others, each fighting its own battle.

"It felt as if a federal fleet had been composed of four entirely different civilizations.

"But that is almost impossible. In this dark forest of the universe, civilizations are full of mistrust and precaution. How could there be a true union of civilizations?

The ancestor said slowly, "Science Participation, we cannot use our limited knowledge to judge unknown things.

"Just as we once believed that life in the universe should be like us, based on boron.

"We even derived a Green Shore Formula, attempting to unveil the mysteries of life in the universe. However, the conclusion of this formula took us by surprise: the abundance of boron in the universe is too low, making it almost impossible for other boron-based life to emerge.

"It took us a long time to finally understand that we are the most unique existence.

"Our life composition and form are starkly different from other life forms in the universe. And our living environment is particularly extreme.

"Our civilization seems to be imprisoned in this desperate landscape, forever unable to break free from its chains."

The ancestors perhaps knew, perhaps did not, but they perhaps all had the same thought.

Science Participation said pensively, "Yes, we can only live in solitude in this desperate world, even unable to ascertain whether we are alive or dead.

"We are like the stars in the sky, eternal and unchanging, no, stars are always changing, while we seem to be forgotten by time, forever stagnant in the present.

"We so desire for a bit of change in this world, even a breeze would make us feel the rhythm of life.

"But even death, for us, is a luxury, an unattainable other shore.

"Sometimes, we even want to shout to the universe about our existence, letting the endless void hear our voice.

"But sadly, our cries might never penetrate this lonely universe, only echoing in this desolation forever."

The ancestor spoke gravely, "Science Participation, your thoughts are very dangerous. I think you are influenced by the appearance of this unknown civilization.

"For a million years, our survival in such harsh environments has depended on suppressing our emotions deeply. This is the rule of survival for our civilization, branded in our genes.

"In our civilization, being sentimental is a deadly poison, like an invisible undercurrent that silently erodes one's spirit, making one gradually go insane, unable to extricate oneself.

"Emotions are the last thing we need; with those feelings, how can we exist in such solitude?"

Science Participation's voice carried a hint of determination, "Ancestor, I understand our situation, but I want to ask, are we alive or dead now? Can we still find a glimmer of hope for survival?"

Upon hearing this, the ancestor frowned, "What are you trying to say? Do you want to make contact with that unknown civilization? That is extremely dangerous behavior!"

Science Participation's gaze was firm, "Ancestor, your emotional fluctuations are quite strong, which means deep inside you may have harbored the same thoughts?

"We all understand that we have no future now; instead of slowly perishing in solitude, why not gamble all of our civilization for a chance at life?"

"This might be our only chance. This universe is like a dark forest, no civilization deserves our trust. However, this newly appeared unknown civilization, we are sixty percent sure they are part of a Civilization Alliance.

"Of course, this might also be their disguise, but... I think it's worth the gamble."

The ancestor's eyes were deep, turning to Military Participation, "Military Participation, what do you think?"

Military Participation was silent for a moment, then spoke in a low, firm voice: "This may not be a wise choice, but I truly do not wish to continue living in this solitude.

"Even if this gamble ends in complete failure and we all face death, it might still be better than the current state.

"At least, we could obtain relief, no longer tormented by this endless loneliness."

Upon hearing this, a look of determination flashed in the ancestor's eyes: "Then let's immediately contact the Administrative Council, the Judicial Participation... and convene a joint participation meeting.

"It is time to make a decision, whatever the outcome, we must confront it."

The ancestor's voice echoed in the empty hall, carrying an undeniable force. This perhaps had always been his dream.